January 29, 2009

See ya, February delivery date; January, how YOU doin'?

Today at three o'clock, I had my 38-week appointment slash last prenatal visit before Baby Brother's scheduled delivery on February 5. I learned from the nurse that the protein level in my urine was still at +3 but that I had lost two pounds since last time, which means my swelling has gone down. Blood pressure checked out just fine, as usual. I saw the doctor, who measured me at 43 centimeters and said she wouldn't be surprised if I had a ten-pound baby in there. I mentioned last week's HELLPscare, and she looked at the notes taken during my last visit. We talked for a few minutes about life with two small children, as she herself is the mother of two boys fifteen months apart. By a quarter to four, I was on my way home.

That was easy! I thought. No more drama.

At four-thirty, I walked through the door. At four-thirty one, Luke informed me of a message from the doctor on our voice mail, instructing me to page her at my earliest convenience. She had called at four o'clock.

Well. That can't be good.

I paged the doctor. She called me back. After examining my file more thoroughly, she discovered that my 24-hour urine collection revealed a protein level of 691, which puts me in the category of "mildly pre-eclamptic." If I were 32 weeks along, I'd be on bedrest, she said. But since Baby Brother is full term and growing well (ha! that's an understatement), there's no need to keep him in there any longer.

"So, what does this mean?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"It means that I would be more than happy to deliver your baby tomorrow."

And there it was.

As it turns out, I'm not having the baby tomorrow. Because my pre-eclampsia isn't severe and my blood pressure is good, my doctor was fine with postponing the c-section until Saturday. So the new game plan is for me to go to work tomorrow long enough to tie up some loose ends and then scramble like mad to clean our house. (Three cheers for doing the last of our shopping and finishing the baby's room over the weekend.) Luke's parents will arrive tomorrow evening (a gazillion more cheers for wonderful in-laws willing to watch their granddaughter while her pushy brother makes his way into the world). At five a.m. on Saturday morning, we'll depart for the hospital. I should be under the knife by eight.

I'm not sure what to feel. On one hand, OH MY GOD AM I SICK OF PREGNANCY. It hurts to get in and out of bed. My clothes don't fit. The Braxton-Hicks contractions are taking their toll. The last of my work projects can be easily passed along to other members of my department. I'm tired all the time. Our bags are packed. I'm done.

On the other hand, I'm not ready for surgery. I'm freaking out over having to leave Kara. I'm upset that our family of three is losing four precious days together. I'm worried about recovering from surgery while meeting the needs of two young babies. I need more time.

But all of that said, I still know that I'm lucky, because the first scare was enough to whip our asses into gear and the second one bought us another day and a half to wrap things up. Poor Emily had to leave from her doctor's office straight for the hospital for the births of BOTH her children. In the grand scheme of things, my rushed birthing experience isn't that big of a deal.

Wow, you have such an amazing attitude about everything! What a shock to find out your baby is coming early! I'm glad you were able to get everything done and will be looking forward to reading your next few posts!

Good luck wrapping everything up and make sure you take some time for yourself before you newest little one makes his way into the world!

I know you must be freaking out and I feel bad especially when you said your family of 3 is being cut by a few days. But you are a wonderful mom, Luke is a wonderful dad and you will do fine with the new baby when all is said and done.
How exciting! He is on the way. I will be awaiting the good news and be sending good thoughts your way on Sat morning.

I am so excited for you all. I cannot believe how fast time has flown by. Seems like just last week these posts were about little Kara. Easy for me to say I know. My prayers are with you. Love to all, deb

You'll be fine-- no one's ever actually really READY for the baby to arrive. It's more like: "Person the battle stations!" dontcha think? It's great you have such a great support team at the ready and you're strong-- you'll be fine. Now go smooch that big girl! :)

I am excited too. Grandma and Grandpa could clean house(even if it was not in the regular Frema style.) We are looking forward to seeing you, Luke, and Kara today and to meeting Baby Brother. Take care.

I think every second- (or third-) time mom freaks out about leaving her baby to have another. I hope you aren't beating yourself up too much about that. How wonderful that Luke's parents can keep Kara at her own house and you don't have to worry about her being in a strange environment. We lucked out too, and after delivery I resolved to stop worrying and use my time in the hospital wisely (i.e. baby in the nursery at night and an Ambien for me).

Ok, now that I've explained to my husband why I'm CRYING... WOW! I'm glad you mentioned Emily--that was immediately who I thought of. Pre-eclampsia sucks and was responsible for my delivery at 36 1/2 weeks. Glad you're not to the "full-blown" stage. That's zero fun. I"m glad you'll get a little extra time to spend with Kara, even if it's being cut shorter that you'd planned. Sounds like she'll be in great hands with Luke's mom and dad. Can't wait to see pictures of your sweet boy. Happy birthing day! I'll be thinking about you.

Kara is going to be great! Playmates are her house to show around - she will get to come visit you and bb (I wonder if "the" name is the same?) She is going to have a blast- I am betting it will be harder on you than her.
Good Luck! I know you will do great. :)

Oh wow!!! Tomorrow! I'm so excited for you! I know how nervous you must be, but it will be over before you know it and you will be holding Baby Brother. Congrats to all of you and I hope all goes well!!

Congratulations! I'm very excited for you, even if you are a bit freaked out. And January babies are the best, so little brother was just making sure he got to be born accordingly :-) Fingers crossed for a smooth delivery this weekend!

I can't wait to see you tomorrow sister. I know you have a lot of thoughts going on in your head and I just want you to know I'm here for you and support you in whatever ways I can. I love you sooo much. Hope you're getting some rest tonight. xoxo

Heading to bed...just wanted to check in one more time to say (as we put it in the theatre world) Break a leg! Can't wait to see Baby Brother. Sending prayers and good wishes your way. Enjoy meeting your son! :)

Reminders

"The Lord is my helper,
I will not be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?"
- Hebrews 13:6
"The best way out is always through."
- Robert Frost
"Breathe, pray, be kind, stop grabbing."
- Anne Lamott
"Mere completion is a rather honorable achievement in its own right."
- Liz Gilbert
"When we tell our stories,
we change the world."
- Brené Brown